Imaging
Joint X-ray with manually applied stress cost in California
Joint X-ray with manually applied stress is an imaging test. Cash prices for imaging vary widely: hospitals often charge several times what an independent imaging center charges for the same scan.
Typical cash price
In California
From 130 hospital and 0 clinic prices in California.
Nationwide typical: $258 (most listed prices $161–$536).
Usually included: the scan itself (technical fee) + the radiologist's read (professional fee).
Good to know: Stress views for ligament instability (e.g., ankle, thumb). Routine views of the same joint are billed separately with their own X-ray codes.
Cheapest in California
Total price
Joint X-ray with manually applied stress
The scan + the radiologist's read
How totals are compared
Every total covers the same bundle: the scan + the radiologist's read. Where a hospital does not publish a part, the typical published amount is added and the total is marked estimated.
In California, from 130 providers. Most listed prices: $157–$816.
Cheapest totals nearby
- Lodi Memorial Hospital Association Inc$113Hospital · LodiEstimated: adds a typical amount for unpublished parts
- $121
- $128
- $50.04
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: White Memorial Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026 - University of Michigan Health-Sparrow St. LawrenceJoint X-ray with stress applied by doctorRead only$54.50Source: University of Michigan Health-Sparrow St. Lawrence price fil · checked Oct 2026
- $59.94
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Adventist Health Medical Center Tehachapi price file · checked Oct 2026 - $66.60
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: San Gabriel Valley Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026 - $66.60
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Willits Hospital Inc price file · checked Oct 2026 - $75
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026 - $80
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Contra Costa Regional Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026 - $87
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Rady Children's Hospital-San Diego price file · checked Oct 2026 - $91.74
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Adventist Health Mendocino Coast price file · checked Oct 2026 - $96.18
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Hayward sisters hospital dba st rose hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $97.61
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: French Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $99.45
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Providence St Joseph Hospital Eureka price file · checked Oct 2026
Common questions
Is the radiologist's read included?
Not always. Hospitals usually list the scan (technical fee) and the radiologist's read (professional fee) separately. Many imaging centers quote one all-in price. Look for the "All-in", "Scan only" or "Read only" label on each price.
Do I need a referral?
Most imaging tests need an order from a doctor, nurse practitioner or physician assistant. Some imaging centers can arrange one; ask when you call.
Why are prices so different?
Each hospital and clinic sets its own cash price. Hospitals publish prices because federal rules require it; clinics and booking sites set prices to compete. The same service can cost several times more at one place than at another nearby.
Can I pay cash if I have insurance?
Yes. You can choose to self-pay. A cash price is often lower than what you would pay before meeting your deductible. Cash payments may not count toward your deductible, so check with your plan. Our cash vs. insurance tool can help you decide.
What is a Good Faith Estimate?
If you are uninsured or paying cash, providers must give you a Good Faith Estimate of the cost on request. If your final bill is $400 or more above the estimate, you can dispute it.